The Swedes would add one base of DNA at a time first A then C then G then T and, starting with the release of pyrophosphate, use a clever chemical domino effect involving an enzyme called luciferase, extracted from fireflies, to turn the chemical cue into a pulse of light.

In the wake of the Twinkie defense, a representative of the ITT-owned Continental Baking Company asserted that the notion that overdosing on the cream-filled goodies could lead to murderous behavior was "poppycock" and "crap" -- apparently two of the artificial ingredients in Twinkies, along with sodium pyrophosphate and yellow dye -- while another spokesperson for ITT couldn't believe "that a rational jury paid serious attention to that issue."